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Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene

Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...

PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing

PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing

The sequence of removing or doffing PPE starts with the gloves, as they are the most contaminated. Next is removal of the face shield or goggles, as they would interfere with removing other PPE. Then remove the gown, followed by the mask or respirator. Perform hand hygiene between steps if hands become contaminated and immediately after removing all PPE. Generally, the outside front and sleeves of the isolation gown, the goggles or the mask, the respirator, and the face shield are contaminated.

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Surgical gloves.

¹Department of Anatomy, University of London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL.

Journal of Perioperative Practice

|July 1, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Surgical gloves evolved from early protective measures against wound infections to modern sterile barriers. This historical overview highlights the progression of hand protection in surgery to prevent patient-to-surgeon contamination.

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Area of Science:

Medical History
Infection Control
Surgical Innovation

Background:

Historically, surgeons and obstetricians recognized the lethal risk of wound infections from accidental injuries, especially in septic cases.
Early preventive measures included rudimentary hand coverings like sheep's caecum, cotton, silk, and leather gloves.
The understanding of infection transmission predated germ theory, with 'miasma' being the suspected cause.

Discussion:

The development of vulcanized rubber by Charles Goodyear in 1844 was a pivotal moment, enabling the creation of more effective protective gloves.
This innovation marked a transition from crude materials to a more reliable barrier against infectious agents.
The adoption of rubber gloves represented a significant advancement in surgical safety and infection control.

Key Insights:

The historical awareness of infection risk in surgery drove the innovation of protective measures for healthcare professionals.
The evolution of surgical gloves demonstrates a long-standing effort to mitigate the transmission of pathogens during medical procedures.
Material science advancements, like rubber vulcanization, directly impacted the efficacy and adoption of surgical safety equipment.

Outlook:

Continued advancements in materials science promise even more sophisticated and effective surgical protective gear.
The historical trajectory underscores the ongoing importance of infection control in surgical practice.
Future innovations will likely focus on enhanced tactile sensitivity, antimicrobial properties, and sustainability in surgical glove design.